Friends, family say goodbye to Larry Pontbriant

Hundreds crowded into The Cathedral of St. Patrick Monday to say good-bye to Larry Pontbriant, also known to many as Superman.

Pontbriant, 15, died Aug. 19 after suffering a collapse a few days prior during a recreational run at Mohegan Park.

The Norwich Free Academy lacrosse team paid tribute to their teammate by wearing the school jersey and a Superman emblem sticker with Pontbriant’s name and number on it. As Pontbriant’s parents, Larry and Evelyn, entered the church, the team raised their sticks and did so again as the teen’s casket was escorted out of the church.

His peers remembered nothing but the best of Pontbriant, which was all anyone knew of him.
“There was nothing bad about him,” friend and teammate of Pontbriant, Ryan Johnson said. “He was just a good kid.”

Pontbriant touched the lives of many in his short lifetime. He had a passion for lacrosse, soccer, running and life in general.

“He was funny and his zest for life was infectious,” his civics teacher, Laura Binder, said at the service. “Larry was a favorite to his friends, coaches and teachers. He was a remarkable person.”
Some are still not over the shock of losing their friend.

Dan Simoneau said the whole situation has been unreal. There is no other way to describe it, he said.

Father Anthony Rosaforte tried to provide comfort for all in attendance.

“We are facing today every parent’s nightmare,” he said. “We are not promised tomorrow. Do not let a day go by without telling your children you love them. And the young people should do the same. I promise you will not regret it.”

Binder said Pontbriant lived by those words.

“Larry was the heart of the teams he played on and the classes he took. He was everyone’s friend,” she said. “His care for others was not a means to an end. It was heartfelt.”

Pontbriant was buried at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Taftville. Before he was laid to rest, several displays were set up in the basement of the church that chronicled his life in pictures and memories from friends.

A message from Joey Berglund read: “Larry was truly an inspiration to me in his lifetime, teaching me that you were never done working even when you are the best...Wishing you were here Superman.”